Denise Vasi 411

A New Yorker through-and-through, Denise Vasi was signed to Ford Models at the age of 12, and though she was studying for a degree in finance at Long Island University, she decided to model full-time on advice from her mom, who encouraged her to strike while the iron was hot. Terrific success followed; Vasi became well known modeling for brands as diverse as Olay, Frederick's of Hollywood and Target. But transitioning into acting was always her goal, and after shedding her strong Brooklyn accent with the help of a vocal coach, Vasi booked her first major acting job on AMC in 2008.